Page 3 of Putting Out
Reilly heard about it. It was the new politically correct thing to support: a ranking system that was inclusive instead of exclusive.
“If or when they make the change,” Dan continued, “where do you think you’re going to fall on the list? Keep in mind it looks at the last two years of play, majors are weighted…”
“Yes, but the ranking of the others playing in the field is also considered. I haven’t played against top-ranked golfers, which will negatively affect my rank.”
A spurt of anger simmered in her belly even as she thought about the list that was expected to come out any day. No one knew how the new system was going to work so it was impossible to guess where she would fall. The idea of her name showing two- hundredth on a list with other golfers she knew she could beat on her worst day wasn’t something she was looking forward to.
“Yes, but I’m hearing statistics are also going to weigh heavily in the new system. Driving distance, greens in regulation, fairways hit. Let’s take a hypothetical. Let’s say you are ranked and manage to break the top fifty… Would you consider playing in some of the events that ranking would make you eligible for?”
The top fifty. For a second, Reilly thought of the one tournament a ranking in the top fifty would grant her instant access to.
A place no woman has ever gone before.
You sound like a bad episode of Star Trek. Let it go.
“I can’t think about that, Dan. Too many ifs. For now my season has started and I’m happy it’s a win.”
Dan nodded, sensing she was done with the line of questioning.
“You’ve got a few weeks until your next event and then just a couple of months until your first major. Tell us what you’ll do with your free time?”
Home.The word jumped into her head confirming her earlier decision.
“I’m going home. Spend some time with my grandparents.”
“Enjoy it. You deserve it. Great win today.”
“Thanks.”
Reilly walked off the green. She needed to sign her card and then she would take the time to sign for fans. Looking at the crowd already formed outside her trailer, she was going to be a while. But that was part of the package. Kids first then she’d get to as many people as she could before her hand gave out.
Kenny was already inside the trailer as was her friend Erica, who had been playing in the group in front her. The two had been whispering about something, but stopped as soon as they saw Reilly climb inside.
Reilly opened her mouth, then shut it. She didn’t want to know what they were talking about. The two of them had been acting weird around each other for weeks. She suspected a… romance. Ew.
If she asked the question and it was confirmed, then she would have to warn Erica her brother was a player, who had been flitting from one relationship to the next for the last fifteen years. Breaking hearts along the way. No real thought of ever settling down.
Unlike Reilly who excelled at settling down. Only to later get divorced.
Erica would get pissed because she would think that she was the one to change him. Kenny would get pissed because his sister had ratted him out.
But Erica was one of her few friends on tour. Anyone who had once liked Reilly started hating her as soon as she began pounding everyone into the turf. As a friend, Reilly didn’t want to see Erica get hurt.
Which is why she said nothing. What Reilly didn’t know, she couldn’t interfere with.
“Great win.” Erica flashed a smile.
“Thanks.”
“Bitch,” she added.
“Whore,” Reilly volleyed.
“You two are weird,” Kenny told them.
“It’s how we keep our competitive edge,” Erica explained. “You can’t make nice with the enemy.”
“But you’re planning on going out together later tonight.”
